The Power and Paradox of Literacy - 1810 Words

A Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass The Power and Paradox of Literacy The â€Å"Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass† has been regarded by many as one of the most influential slave narratives in American history. This colorful autobiography has and will forever situate Douglass at the forefront of the American abolitionist movement. Many scholars involved in the study of African American history, including James Matlack, a writer for the Atlanta Review of Race and Culture assert that the effectiveness of Douglass’s narrative rests upon his superior technique in sharing his experience and elating them to the general American population (Matlack 15). In this short narrative Douglass wonderfully exploits several themes that soon†¦show more content†¦Baker also points out that Douglass is attracted to only an abstract ideal of literacy before he has any familiarity with its actual practice (qtd in Sundquist). Only until Douglass has acquired the skills and begins reading, his attitude is pulle d by contradictory impulses. He is no longer sure literacy leads to freedom but instead feels that his ability to read is a curse as well as a blessing. For example, when Douglass attempts to use his literacy to escape, by writing passes for himself and his friends, he is literally jailed, even further imprisoned by his belief that literacy alone can provide a pathway to freedom. Yet while Baker argues that the pre-literate Douglass’ understanding of the power of literacy was primitive and its potentially devastating effects remained unexamined until after his acquisition of literacy; Martha Cutter, professor of ethnic literature at Kent University argues that Douglass was in fact aware of the effects that were created by education and literacy before he became literate. Her argument supporting the thesis of this essay stem from the fact that Douglass, even as a slave was able to relate and become accustomed to the white, Christian ideology. SheShow MoreRelatedAnnotated Bibli ography of Articles Related to Media Literacy902 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿Boske, C., and McCormack, S. (2011). Building an understanding of the role of media literacy for Latino/a high school students. High School Journal 94(4), pp. 167-186. In a qualitative study of a small group of Latino/a high school students, the researchers found that students perceived negative cultural messages in media they were asked to watch. The messages were not obvious to the teachers who selected the media and who were not part of this ethnic group. The study serves as a cautionaryRead MoreFrederick Douglass Rhetorical Analysis885 Words   |  4 Pageslearning or religion, he made conform to his disposition to deceive†. 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